Chapter Awards

Each fall the Georgia Chapter recognizes outstanding contributions to Georgia’s children and to the Chapter via the presentation of several awards. Chapter members may nominate individuals who met award criteria by August 10 of each year. The following are the Chapter Awards, with a list of the recipients of the past 5 years included.

YOUNG PHYSICIAN AWARD: Awarded to a Chapter member under the age of 40 who has made an outstanding contribution in pediatrics, including research, improving access to care, developing model programs for care, service to the Chapter or child advocacy.

2011

Michelle R. Zeanah, MD

2012

Christopher M. Young, MD

2013

C. Wesley Lindsey. MD, Dixie D. Griffin, MD

2014

Angela Highbaugh-Battle, MD, Keith Seibert, MD

2015

Yameika Head, MD

2016

Jennifer Collier-Madon, MD

2017

Melissa Boekhaus, MD

FRIEND OF CHILDREN AWARD: Awarded to a non-pediatrician, for outstanding contributions to the health, development, and well-being of children in Georgia in the past year.

2011

Donna W. Hyland, Judith A. Gay, NP

2012

John & Candy Bogardus

2013

First Lady Sandra Deal, David Cook

2014

Brenda Fitzgerald, MD, Alan Judd

2015

Cynthia Lee, LPC & Peter & Holly Ranney

2016

Governor Nathan Deal

2017

Clark Howard

LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD: Awarded for exemplary contributions on behalf of children and pediatrics during the past state legislative session. Awards may be made to both a House & Senate member.

2011

Representative Larry J. “Butch” Parrish

2012

Representative Richard Smith

2013

Senator Renee Unterman

2014

Representative Larry O’Neal

2015

Representative Jan Jones & Senator Dean Burke

2016

Representative Terry England & Senator Dean Burke

2017

Representative Katie Dempsey

FOUNDATION CHAMPION AWARD: This award, established in 2011, honors the exceptional work of a member or volunteer on behalf of the Pediatric Foundation of Georgia.

2011 James R. Soapes (Inaugural Recipient)

LEILA D. DENMARK LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: The highest award the Georgia Chapter can bestow. This is awarded to a Chapter member in recognition of the individual’s lifetime of work and contributions in pediatrics. Named in honor of pioneering pediatrician Leila Denmark, MD, one of the first female physicians in Georgia. She died at the age of 114 in April 2012.